I was very sorry to hear of the death of Mark from Sparklehorse. A gentle giant and a modest man. In London a few years back, he seemed a fish out of water - a rural creature blinking awkwardly in the light. I loved the little world he managed to create from words and pictures and funny sounds.

Some of his songs with their references to frogs and owls and myrtle felt like a magical pagan americana.

Here is a Song for Mark - originally meant for someone else - but, under the circumstances, this time for him.

I was pretty saddened also. Not many of my favourite musicians have passed away (as far as I can recall, only St Thomas and, er, Scatman John), so was quite stunned about Mark's death. He's done some absolutely lovely music.

Yeah, I knew they were friends and so kind of thought that it must have had some impact. I think there will likely still be another Sparklehorse album, seeing as he was working on one, but it is still quite sad to know that there won't ever be any more songs after that.